Cigarette smoke is the residue of your pleasure that harms you and those around you. Smoking is an addiction and tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which is very hard, but not impossible, to quit. It contaminates the air, pollutes hair and clothes, not to mention lungs. Tobacco is tumor causing, teeth staining, smelly, and a puking habit. The best way to stop smoking is to just stop - no ifs, ands, or buts. It isn't easy of course. As Mark Twain said, “To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I've done it a thousand times.”
Cigarettes are killers that travel in packs. It's never too late to realize that it's the cigarette that does the smoking - you're just the sucker. Addiction to smoking leads to various types of cancers, strokes, and heart attacks. To benefit yourself and those around you, quit smoking. Here are a few tips to help you on you way to become a non-smoker:
● Don't procrastinate. Don't wait for New Years or your birthday to quit smoking. Everyday is the RIGHT TIME to quit smoking.
● Know that quitting is a gift and not a sacrifice you're making.
● If you have tried several times to quit, but remain unsuccessful, join a stop smoking program, seek stop smoking aid and counseling, both aimed at helping you quit smoking for good.
● Cultivate the will power to give up your habit of smoking and to avoid a smoking relapse. This can be done by telling yourself the benefits of quitting, such as a longer life, feeling better, for your family, saving money, smelling better, to find a mate more easily, etc.
● Educate yourself about the harmful effects of smoking, and how it can endanger your life and that of your loved ones. Learning the hazardous effects of smoking on a pregnant woman, on passive smokers, on your facial charm and on your teeth, will stop you from reaching out for that stick of cigarette.
● Prepare your body and mind before actually quitting. Determine your personal goals, discover your reasons for quitting and get rid of temptations that may become a hindrance to your stop smoking program.
● When you feel the urge to smoke, try to divert your mind. Drink water or chew gum.
● In your initial efforts to quit smoking, switch brands and buy cigarettes that you have never liked.
● Throw out all cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters and anything else that might remind you of smoking. Wash your clothes and clean your car to remove the smell of smoke.
● Reward yourself at the end of the day for not smoking.
● Don't worry if you're short-tempered, nervy and feel unwell at the beginning. These are all withdrawal symptoms that will soon pass.
● Become physically more active, by exercising, going for walks etc, and you will want to smoke less than ever before.
● Eat regular meals.
● When you feel tired after a long day, get some beauty sleep, because it is then that cravings to smoke will seem stronger.
● Make a note of how much cigarette money you're saving on a daily basis.
● Seek support from your friends in your efforts to quit smoking.
● If you slip and smoke, don't be discouraged and mad at yourself. Quit again!
● Have your teeth cleaned. Enjoy the way your teeth look and feel and plan to keep them that way.
● Find something to hold in your hand and mouth, to replace cigarettes, such as a drinking straw, toothpick or even an artificial cigarette.
● Find out what triggers your desire for a cigarette, such as stress, the end of a meal, arrival at work, entering a bar, etc. Avoid these triggers or if that's impossible, plan alternative ways to deal with the triggers.
● Be patient.
Once you quit, you will immediately feel the health benefits and will never want to touch a cigarette again. You will have shed the claims of smoking to reclaim your life. Just keep your perspective. Thank you for Not Smoking!